When the team at Big Joe Forklifts heard one of its 1960s-era walkie stackers was still being used by the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s College of Engineering, they knew it was probably time to help bring the school’s technology into the 21st century.

Founded and headquartered in Madison, Big Joe donated a new IBH stacker to the University’s College of Engineering, even branding it with the university’s colours.

Big Joe’s new product development engineer - and former alumni at the university - Zach Skelton explains he noticed the old walkie stacker as he was walking through the basement of the engineering building and did a double take. 

“I thought, wait a minute, that’s a Big Joe,” Skelton says. “At that moment, I knew there was an opportunity not just to celebrate this equipment standing the test of time, but to help the university modernise its processes.”

The new Big Joe stacker will be used in instructional and operational settings within the College of Engineering, giving students hands-on experience with modern materials handling equipment.

“We are truly excited to not only help the University of Wisconsin at Madison continue on its mission to train future engineers, but to see the full life cycle of Big Joe products in action,” says Big Joe’s VP of engineering, Mat McEachern. 

The new forklift is being provided by Big Joe’s dealer partner Wolter Midwest and the old stacker will be moved to Big Joe’s headquarters.